Anna sits underneath the willow tree with her legs crossed. She is feeling restless though she should be happy for it’s her special day.

"What a birthday..." she sighs disappointedly.

She never thought she will feel so miserable and alone on her sixteenth birthday. Earlier during the day, her Marmee tried convincing her to invite a few of her classmates. She blatantly declined. She would rather be by herself. The single good thing for her today is that Marmee Rose lets her wear her casual clothes.

She misses her best friend so much. It has only been over a year when Jo and her family went to Alaska but it feels like it's been way longer than that.

Jo talks to her every day in the internet but it's really not the same. Her best friend updates her daily and she does too. Although when their conversations finally end, she misses Jo even more. It’s a consolation that her friend is doing well there with her parents. At least one of them is happy.

It is not that she is unhappy with her parents but all her life, Jo has been there for her. Maybe Jo adjusts easier than her. She sighs deeply with that thought. She has to suck it up after all.

She starts rubbing the key dangling, with her locket on her necklace that she never takes off. The key is an additional memento given by Jo, her best friend. It came with a wooden box which she uses to keep her letters for Jo.

As for the emerald locket, she can't remember when she got the necklace but her Marmee told her that she was wearing it since she was an infant. Her Marmee said it’s her natal gift for her.

Anna recalls her tenth birthday when Jo and Anna had such a great time. It didn't matter if Jo was her only guest. That's all she needs, her best friend.

But today, it hurts so much for her to spend this day alone, under their tree, Jo's and hers...like they always say "our willow tree".

Though Jo talked to her from Alaska a few minutes ago, she still feels gloomy. The distance is really hard for her. She wishes that things are simpler like they used too. Well, growing up gets complicated year after year. Maybe that is what she needs to accept.

"Anna, it's getting late. Are you ready to go inside now? You haven't even touched your lime cake." Marmee Rose shouts when she peered from the window.

"You might get cold there!" Marmee adds to remind her.

"Just a few more minutes Marmee!" she hollers back.

"Alright, honey, your Popsie and I are just here okay?" Marmee says with a worried tone.

"My Marmee, she has always been worried about me...not having other friends, not being like the other kids..." Anna talks to herself.

Anna sometimes thinks that even before she feels in a certain way, her Marmee can sense already. All the time she is down, her Marmee knows what to say. Like right now. But somehow, she gets a bit upset that she is like an open book to her Marmee Rose. It is not that she likes to hide her feelings but oftentimes, it worries her Marmee Rose a lot.

This is one of the things she usually does as if it's such an ordinary thing to do. Other kids find it weird when she talks that way. But why will she care about what they think? If only Jo is here...She senses the stress rising from her chest. She feels suffocated.

Anna resumes her sitting position. She sighs, closing her green eyes and placing both her arms on her crossed legs, palms open upward. She takes a few slow and even breaths. She repeats this breathing exercise several times to calm herself. She focuses on her breathing as well as the beating of her heart. Deep in her inner calm, she does not notice her locket glowing underneath her shirt. She stays that way for a while.

Finally, when she feels a bit better, Anna stands up and unlocks a hidden hole with her key and retrieves the wooden box. She reaches in her jeans' pocket and takes out a folded blue paper. This is another addition to her letters for Jo. Popsie Reed was the one who helped Jo to make a hole in the willow tree so Jo will be able to complete her birthday gift for her then.

"Popsie has always known me better. I never had to say anything," Anna blurts out with a smile. Marmee's heart is in the right place but she seems to be always worrying. Why does she feel like Marmee is afraid that something might happen to her?

Unlike her Marmee, her Popsie is the calmer one. Popsie Reed lets Anna join him on his morning jogs along the trail beyond the willow tree. She enjoys hearing the different sounds of nature.

Anna looks at the trail...

For a second, she feels like running away. She is being drawn towards the forest. Anna shakes her head as if to remove the thought. Why would she runaway? Marmee and Popsie will be sad. Maybe she is just yearning for her best friend’s company. Jo is her constant special guest, year after year, her only guest on her birthday. Nobody else matters.

Anna’s attention returns to the wooden box. She stares at the dominance of blue letters from the green ones. This reminds her how long since she got a handwritten letter from her friend. She sighs then returns the box.

Anna climbs to a thicker branch of the willow and starts to sit facing the trail. Though to her surprise, someone else was sitting on the other side of the willow tree. The mysterious intruder is busy drawing on the ground with a stick. She holds back trying to decide what to do next. Should she just go back to the house? She gets a little curious.

From Anna's view, it is a boy, maybe the same age as hers and is wearing a weird kind of brown clothing. Her curiosity gets the best of her.

"Who are you?" Anna enquires from above where she sits. However, she decides to say it calmly so as not to startle him.

The strange boy jumps to his feet startled by Anna's voice. He looks up with a puzzled expression then asks a question instead.

"You can see me?" still in disbelief.

“There goes my subtlety.” Anna exclaims as she stares at the boy with a confused look.

"Of course, I can see you. Do I look blind to you?" she adds.

Anna climbs down the tree and walks towards the boy who's still holding his strange stick, or a staff? Or is it a wand? Anna gapes at the boy again. He is wearing a longsleeved shirt all the way to his hips with pants tucked inside his boots all in the shade of brown. His outfit makes him look like one of the hobbits from the adventure movie Jo and Anna watched, except that he is not barefooted, and of course not as short. But he is definitely good looking. Anna smirks a little.

"I have been coming here a lot since I was young but nobody sees me ever. What are you?" the boy in brown asks suspiciously. He still has not given away anything about himself.

"What do you mean what am I? Do I look like I came from outer space or something? You're the one who looks strange!" Anna retorts, starting to get upset. Anna starts to consider her first thought, which is to leave this strange boy alone. But her interest wins over.

“I live just across the street! There at the house with a very blue door!” she is shouting now and a little flushed already.

“Great, I just pointed to a total stranger where I live! Way to go Anna, just wait for him to strangle you in your sleep…” she babbles on.

“Oh, now I even dropped my name for good measure!” Anna shakes her head ignoring the strange boy for once. She is really deciding to turn her back on him now.

Suddenly, the boy holds out his hand to Anna, "I'm sorry, I did not mean to upset you. I'm Caspian by the way." The strange guy changes his tone, friendlier now.

Anna stares at Caspian's hand still outstretched in front of her. She is debating with herself if she will accept this boy's acquaintance.

Yes, he has a weird appearance because of what he is wearing. But weird is not something new to Anna. Also, he already knows her name and where she lives due to her outburst earlier.

So, what the heck? Anna starts to consider.

"Oh, come on, I apologized already. Can we be friends now?" Caspian says with a smile. He has a cute smile too.

"Okay, your apology is accepted, only because it's my birthday today. I'm being generous. Call me Anna!” Anna explains.

“Oh yeah, I already said my name to myself a while ago…” she says in afterthought.

Caspian smiles even more. Really weird girl, but pretty, especially her eyes, he thought.

"Anna, it’s time to go inside! It's beginning to get dark." They hear from across the street.

That will be Marmee, Anna thought.

"I have to go now! It was nice meeting you, I guess. Goodbye, Caspian! See you around."

Anna hurries to cross the street without looking back while Caspian can’t take his eyes off her. He is still wondering about their unexpected acquaintance. He waits for her to go in through that blue door.

"Happy birthday, Anna! See you again..." Caspian replies in a whisper, as he disappears behind the willow tree.

Clouds start to darken the sky and the sun has already set in the horizon. This signifies the end of another day. Nevertheless, somehow, this will be the beginning of a new friendship between Anna and the strange boy named Caspian.

Late nights are fun when you are busy chatting away with your best friend far across the world from you. That is how both Anna and Jo feel right now.

"What time will you sleep? Do you still have some papers to finish?”

“Are you sure you're doing okay there? What about that guy you mentioned last time? I remember he is the one who's the son of your Dad's colleague?" Anna asks without a pause.

"You mean, Joshua Brown? He's in College, a freshman majoring in Math. He has been helping me out in my math studies. You know how I am with figures, right?”

“Luckily, Josh is very patiently explaining those confusing numbers to me. He argues that math is part of our daily living so I should get used to dealing with them. If you personally want my opinion, calculators, well, even phones can do that.” Jo points out with conviction in her tone. She tries to talk casually when mentioning Josh but Anna knows her best friend really well. Jo likes Josh. Jo is just being herself. She always attempts to show disinterest in everything except about their friendship.

“But my papers are easy peasy! Our professor here says my essays are well written. I guess I have lots of practice when we've been writing to each other every day. I can't wait to give my letters to you when I get back. Dad says his work will wrap up in time for my graduation here. So that will be a little less than a year from now.” She continues talking excitedly.

“Sorry Dad took so long. I miss you a lot you know, "Jo shouts loudly from the screen. The reception is crappy that she feels the need to shout to her friend.

Anna allows her friend to babble on with her stories. She loves listening to her stories about her life in Alaska.

"Congratulations! I'm so proud of you. I can't wait for you to get back!”

“Popsie says we can go camping when you get back. There's a lot of the forest we have not yet explored. I know you miss the forest too." Anna blurts out when she gets her chance to chime in the conversation.

"Yup, I can't wait for the greenery! Alaska is but tons and tons of ice. I tried going outdoors once with Josh but climbing our tree is much more fun than slipping down slopes!" Jo complains to her best friend.

There goes her best friend again. She is pretty sure that Jo somehow enjoyed her skiing with Josh. She smiles at Jo on the screen.

"You and Josh seem to be having fun together. I hope I get to meet him someday. Someone who teaches you Math stuff as patiently as I can is a guy, I give two thumbs up." Anna teases.

"Well he is a lot mature than the guys there in our neighborhood. He likes the outdoors than playing games in the net. He likes to meet you too. Of course, I told him a lot about my best friend. Maybe one time when we chat again, I will make sure Josh is around so you could at least meet virtually." Jo ignores her teasing. She definitely likes him. Anna concludes to herself.

"What's the name of that boy again you saw at our willow tree? Casper?" Jo asks, finally changing the topic.

"Stop that!" Anna exclaims as she turns to look at her mirror, her face blushing.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Jo sounds surprised.

"Not you Jo, sorry," Anna explains, seeing her reflection in her mirror giving her a silly grin.

"Are you talking to your reflection again? So, how's that reflection of yours? That's one of the things I miss when we're together. I can never stop being amazed with you and your hidden talents!" Jo laughs at her friend.

"It's just that she keeps smiling at me ever since I met Caspian!" Anna clarifies to Jo.

"So, this Caspian guy, is he cute? Do you meet him at our tree often? What is he like? Have you told Popsie and Marmee about him?" Jo teases her a bit.

"Please, not you too, Jo!” Anna complains playfully.

“He is kind of cute but in a weird way. He wears this brown outfit every time we see each other. I don't know if it's some kind of uniform or costume.” She says with a grin, envisioning again how Caspian looks with his clothing.

“I don't ask because I don't like to offend him." Anna narrates.

"I'm just glad that you found a friend when I left. At least now you have someone to talk to. I don't mind sharing our tree with your new friend. Just make sure to introduce him to me when I am finally back. I feel guilty leaving you." Jo explains thoughtfully.

"So, where does he live? Does he go to the same school? What about his parents?" Jo adds.

"Caspian never mentions his parents. He told me he lives beyond the other side of the forest. Remember the valley that Popsie said that caught fire when we were still babies? That's why Marmee doesn't like us to go beyond the usual trail that Popsie takes when he jogs every morning." Anna recalls.

"Hmm, so there are people living there again? I thought it was a deserted place because a lot of people are scared of what happened there?” Jo ponders.

“My Dad says that place used to be so beautiful. There are so many extra ordinary plants and trees growing. In the past, there were fresh produce market there and people go there to buy their veggies, herbs and other stuff.”

“It sounds like a cool place to visit then. Mom even said that there used to be a farming settlement there so the place was well kept right before the fire.”

“Too bad we were just babies at the time to see for ourselves the beauty of that place.” Jo points out.

"But what is Caspian doing so far away from their place?" Jo sounds puzzled.

"He says he has been going to our tree for a while now but told me no one sees him.”

“According to him also, he even knew how you look like. He said he has seen us when we were still kids just like him. We climb the tree and he was there just with his stick.”

“Caspian loves drawing on the ground. That's how I saw him on my sixteenth birthday. A bit weird huh?" Anna narrates.

"Yup, pretty weird because I would have noticed if there was a strange guy with a stick lurking around our willow tree. Well, you always have a knack for strange things.”

“Remember when you slipped from the willow tree when we were seven? I thought you'll hurt your head but you hit the ground without a scratch. Your locket suddenly glowed nonstop." Jo reminisces.

"A lot of weird things but I never told anyone anything. Not even Popsie or Marmee. I'm scared they might think something is wrong with me. They always look so worried about me, like something might happen to me, especially Marmee." Anna says as an afterthought.

"I'm glad I have you," Anna blurts out.

"You have never made me feel different. Anything you see odd about me or what happens around me, you just get amazed but never look at me like I'm scary or creepy.

That’s why I miss you terribly." Anna reminds her friend.

"Same sentiments for me right here my friend! I'm glad to have you to tolerate all my quirks. We have such a weird friendship.” Jo jokes around.

“Okay, Anna, let's sleep now, before I start crying here! You take care of yourself, Anna. Say hi to Caspian for me. Sweet dreams!" Jo ends the video chat.

Anna smiles as she shuts off her computer. She turns to look at her reflection again.

"Stop teasing okay? We are just talking about Caspian because Jo asked. Is that clear? So now we are both smiling..." she says then turns her light off.

After a while, Anna's breathing steadies. She has fallen asleep with a smile on her face.

In the darkness of Anna's room, her locket starts to glow steadily. From outside, it looks as if she has caught a firefly in a jar, but the glow emitting, instead of a yellow light, is green...

It is a cozy sunny afternoon at Bellmont. The breeze is just right for outdoor activities. The leaves of the trees sway lazily with the wind.

Anna just got home from school. She is a bit disappointed because she thought she will be able to go home earlier. Luckily, she has no written assignments to do for today. Professor Lane, her Botany teacher, made them stay to clean up the laboratory equipment they used for the day. The class took a while to finish because instead of just cleaning, everyone was fooling around in the lab. They ended up cleaning much more than they were originally supposed to. So here she is right now preparing in a rush for a little picnic setup for her friend. She tries to focus to calm herself. Everything is almost set anyway.

Anna thinks twice if the cucumber sandwiches are enough. Good thing she made the lemonade early this morning before she went to class so it's now ready enough to pack. What else?

Anna rushes upstairs for a quick change. She wears her favorite pastel green blouse and her dark green pants.

"I think we look good alright." she nods to her reflection in the mirror. Her reflection gives a brilliant smile and a thumb's up sign as affirmation to her.

"Okay, I'm going now, bye!" she says and blows a kiss towards her reflection. The reflection just winks back seemingly excited just like her.

Carrying a basket with the sandwiches and the big flask of lemonade, Anna crosses the street in a hurry towards the willow tree.

She half smiles envisioning how funny it would be if she trips midway crossing the street. Would that make her appear too eager? Anna breathes deeply and calms down.

Popsie and Marmee went out on a date late this afternoon. Marmee likes to check out the new bakery at the other town. They might even get some groceries as well. So, they may take a while to get back.

Anna reaches the backside of the willow tree and as she expects, Caspian is already there doodling with his stick on the ground. She observes him a little bit without making any sound.

Caspian is scribbling her name...

"Sorry I'm late..." Anna says shyly after a while.

"Oh, it's okay…" Caspian replies as he hurriedly erases what he wrote done.

He glances appreciatively at Anna with a wide smile. He walks towards her and takes the basket from Anna. They find a nice spot near the tree.

Both of them sit down at the same time under the shade of the willow tree. The breeze blows softly at their flushed faces.

Anna takes out a small picnic mat then Caspian helps her spread it on the ground. They move in silence, as if what they are doing needs a lot of concentration. However, in truth, both are just trying to think of what to say to the other.

Anna starts unloading the sandwiches and the flask from the basket. Still, she avoids looking directly at Caspian.

"You look nice, umm, the color green suits you." Caspian compliments Anna but is staring elsewhere. He tries to sneak a glance when Anna is busy with the sandwiches.

Anna stops rearranging the sandwiches and takes a quick glance at Caspian. As usual, he is wearing the same brown outfit. She grins at him.

"Thanks for the compliment. I really like this color too.” Anna pauses.

“I hope you will not mind if I ask you a question..." she hesitates.

Caspian looks her way without saying anything, still awkwardly.

Anna takes a deep breath then says, "Why do you always wear that?" pointing to Caspian from top to bottom.

Caspian looks at himself too, as if just seeing what he is wearing for the first time.

"Well, I don't know what else to wear? It's not nice?" he says with a puzzled look on his face.

"It's fine but it's just that... every time I see you, you are wearing the same clothes again and again. Is that some kind of uniform or something?" Anna asks.

"Maybe, I guess you can call it like that, if you mean that everyone wears it. My people wear the same as what I wear." Caspian admits.

"Okay, when you say your people, do you mean your family?" Anna questions again.

"Yes, my family. I grew up getting used to these clothes and our way of life." Caspian confides.

"What does your family do? I mean, what is your way of living?" Anna continues out of curiosity.

"My family takes care of the land. We make plants grow. We make sure things are fine in the Valley. Then people come to sell them in markets." Caspian replies.

"So, your family are farmers and landowners? That's cool. I have always been fascinated with plants and nature. I'm taking Botany and I love learning how things grow." Anna shares excitedly.

"We are not really landowners. The land is for everyone. We take care of the lands. We make sure that all the elements are balanced." Caspian explains.

"Your family lives in that land that had caught fire when I was still a baby, right? Do you know what really happened then?" Anna inquires.

"It's not really clear to me since, like you've said, you are still a baby. Back then, I was still very young. Only the elders know what exactly transpired at that time. Every time I ask, they will just say that whoever caused the damages was already caught and punished.”

“My people's priority now is to restore the place to its original glory. We are working hard towards that, for the sake of my people and for everyone else." Caspian clarifies.

"Yes, I have learned from Jo's parents that the place was really beautiful back then. It is very productive. I wish we could have seen that." Anna says thoughtfully.

She hands a cucumber sandwich to Caspian, urging him to take a bite.

“I prepared those. Jo and I love those. I hope you like it too.” She informs him.

"Thanks Anna," Caspian says.

"Maybe someday you will see the Valley the way other people witnessed its bounty, too." He turns serious for a moment.

"Speaking of your friend, when is she coming back?" Caspian asks changing the subject.

"Jo says after her graduation. I thought she will be gone for a long time but luckily, her dad will be finishing up soon. I miss her terribly..."

Anna stares blankly at an invisible spot on the ground.

Caspian looks intently at Anna and saw her sad face. He reaches out for Anna's hand without thinking and says, "You miss her a lot. I can tell."

Anna looks at Caspian beside her and gives him a half smile. She lets Caspian hold her hand.

"She's my best friend, my only friend." Anna narrates.

"I know, but she will be back soon and right now, I'm glad you are here. I am your friend too. Can I be your special friend?" Caspian asks in a whisper.

Anna smiles in response and takes a bite of her sandwich.

"Jo says she would love to meet you when she gets back. That would be your official welcome to our Willow Tree club." Anna blurts out adding a bit of humor to it.

"I would love to meet her too." Caspian answers but still staring somewhere else.

Both of them gaze in silence at the trail leading to the forest. They seem grateful that the sun has set and the shade provided by the willow tree hides the blush on their faces. They stay like that, holding each other's hands, until it is really dark and Anna needs to go back to her house. Time flies so fast when they are together.

Caspian helps Anna pack the picnic basket once more. He carries it while he accompanies her across the street. He seems unwilling to let go of her hand.

Anna notices that there is still no light inside. She is aware her parents are not back yet. She finds it unfortunate because she is hoping her Popsie and Marmee would be back by then. She likes to introduce her special friend to them. She stops short and thought of something to stall Caspian from going home yet.

"Would you like to go inside first?" Anna invites Caspian as she opens the blue door.

Caspian hesitates, staring at the open door. He then looks at Anna.

Anna waits for a reply.

"I guess, maybe some other time. Thanks for the lovely picnic.”

“Good night Anna," he says giving Anna's hand a gentle squeeze.

He crosses the street back to the willow tree. Caspian waves goodbye, then finally disappears behind the willow tree.

Anna stares after him absentmindedly. She feels like running after him. She shakes her head and smiles to herself. She cannot wait to tell Popsie and Marmee about her special friend.